Decision coming June 16, next big day in Haditha case

Defend Our Marines ^ | June 9, 2008 | Nathaniel R. Helms

[RedRover]

None of it makes sense. On the other hand, if the judge ruled for the defense, he’d have to discount Gen Mattis’ testimony. What are the odds of that?

[Girlene]

On the other hand, if the judge ruled for the defense, he’d have to discount Gen Mattis’ testimony. What are the odds of that?

I agree it's probably going to be tough, but not impossible. The military judge has an obligation to ensure that not even the "appearance" of undue command influence is present in his courtroom during a court martial. During Gen. Mattis testimony, military judge, Folsom, asked him if he thought having Col. Ewers as his top legal adviser and present in so many meetings had the "appearance" of UCI. Gen. Mattis didn't think it had even the "appearance".

That statement alone indicates Gen. Mattis wasn't concerned about it. The judge legally must be concerned. Legally he has no obligation to please Mattis, but he MUST protect the integrity of his court.

The fact that Ewers appeared on PBS, in uniform, impugning the Haditha Marines shows he has a distinct opinion and was trying to influence others. If he sat in so many meetings for a great length of time, there is an expectation of input. I doubt he was there to just fill the coffee cups.

[RedRover]

Agreed that Folsom has an obligation. So I guess the real question is whether he has a backbone.

On the other hand, the prosecution must be sick of looking like inept fools, so maybe they’re eager for a way out of trying Chessani. The prosection may be backing the defense motion—seeking a dismissal without prejudice.

[Girlene]

The prosecuters in these cases haven’t shown they want to back out of much. If the case is dismissed without prejudice, they can refile charges. With prejudice means charges cannot be refiled.

If the judge dismisses the charges without prejudice, it will leave Lt. Col. Chessani’s future in limbo. Maybe the prosecution IS willing to accept that.

We’ll find out soon.

[RedRover]

Nat was first to get this story. Be interesting to see if there’s more coverage today.

BTW, I’ll never understand why cable news and talk radio are ignoring the broader Haditha story. Maybe they’re saving themselves for a big finish.

[4woodenboats]

Potted Plant gets it with both barrels BUMP

[smoothsailing]

LOL!!! Actually it was South Carolina!

[RedRover]

Hey, I don’t recollect an invitation to join smooth on his yachting tour of the Outer Banks. Do you?

[jazusamo]

Hey! I can’t tell you how disappointed I am. I’ve been to the East many years ago but never saw the Atlantic Ocean except within NY City limits and the New London sub base.

Growing up as a kid I spent most of every summer at the beach in So CA, the ocean is my favorite place to go.

Now here our best buddy goes on a trip like that and doesn’t even invite us. I’ll make another post shortly on this matter, right after I find my violin.

[smoothsailing]

LOL! Stop by anytime! ;-)

[bigheadfred]

You really don’t expect Mattis to say anything but what he is saying. Remember, he was called by the prosecution. When you get that many stars, all those other things become minor annoyances. Things like the truth, The Bible, The Constitution. Pesky minor annoyances established for the little people to try and make them mind.

[jude24]

The JAGoffs going after our Marines are ACLU Democrats who are putting in "military" time in order to burnish their resumes for their own selfish political ambitions.

Bullshit. They are doing their jobs, same as any other military officer.

Have you ever met an actual JAG lawyer, or is this just your political prejudices and ignorance peeking through?

[4woodenboats]

The longer the prosecution delays cutting Lt. Col Chessani loose, the better the chance the SSgt Wuterich's case will be duly influenced in his favor by the light of day shed on this clusterpuck.

[Lancey Howard]

Get yourself up to speed on the Haditha case, lawyer boy, and then get back to me.
Clearly, you are clueless.

[Semper Fi Mom]

Great job Red & Nat!! You’re now officially on Google news! AWESOME! AWESOME! Keep up the good work!!

[RedRover]

NewsMax has a different version (not as good) of this story: Marine Lt. Col. Chessani's Haditha Case Effectively Over. I don't think Nat wrote the headline, because it just ain't so. I'm trying to confirm.

[jude24]

Get yourself up to speed on the Haditha case, lawyer boy, and then get back to me.

I'm a commissioned officer of the United States. You do not call me "boy." I've earned that respect.

[RedRover]

Thanks, Mom! Hope reporting the facts will make the prosecution realize they cannot win and should give up now.

BTW, there’s going to be an article in the July issue of “Chicago” magazine about a formerly-charged Marine (initials S.D.C.). Free Republic, Defend Our Marines and I got dragged into it, too. Should be on newsstands in a couple weeks. Eager to see it.

[lilycicero]

It was a whiz to crack your code.

[brityank]

Thanks for the ping and the tip, Red and Mom -- guess I'll have to cruise around to see what I find.       ;^)